Commission calls for investigations into military premises used for torture
The National Truth Commission (CNV) has asked Defense Minister Celso Amorim for assistance with investigations into the use of military premises as torture centers during the military dictatorship (1964-1985).
Last Tuesday (Feb. 19), commission coordinator Pedro Dallari gave Amorim a report containing evidence that at least seven facilities of the Armed Forces in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Pernambuco were used for “inflicting serious human rights violations.”
The report, which is based on data obtained by the Amnesty and the Political Killings and Forced Disappearances commissions, narrates episodes of torture that took place at military locations. The minister, however, has not come up with any concrete course of action to be taken after reviewing the document.
“The Armed Forces have collaborated effectively with the commission in providing specific information and documents. Now we need them to us with investigative efforts, and we are sure, it's not too much to ask,” Dallari said.
The Truth Commission noted that the locations mentioned in the files are just a small sample since public buildings from across the country are known to have been used as torture centers – more often than occasionally or incidentally.
“Our biggest concern is this systematic, structured nature of repression. I don't buy this theory of abusive, deviating cases of some psychopaths who merely went torturing people around. This wouldn't have been possible without an established, institutional framework to it. And that's where the National Truth Commission could move ahead finding out,” Dallari said.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Commission calls for investigations into military premises used for torture
